18 Best Hotels in Washington, DC: Top Luxury & Boutique Stays for 2025

Washington, D.C., is a city defined by the quiet hum of power and the grand architectural gestures of a nation’s capital. Yet, beyond the marble monuments and the political theater, there is a softer, more evocative side to the District—one found in the flickering candlelight of a basement vault bar, the scent of fresh peonies in a neoclassical lobby, and the shimmering reflection of the Potomac at twilight.

For the modern traveler, choosing a home base in D.C. is an exercise in curation. Whether you seek the "Grande Dame" heritage of a residence that has hosted presidents or the avant-garde spirit of a design-forward boutique in Penn Quarter, the city’s hotel landscape has never been more vibrant. As we look toward 2025, the capital has perfected the art of the "historic-meets-modern" duality, with nearly half of its premier stays located within restored landmarks that whisper secrets of the past while offering every contemporary indulgence.

DC’s Best Hotels at a Glance: The 2025 Shortlist

Hotel Name	Best For	Neighborhood	Vibe
The Hay-Adams	Iconic Views	Downtown	Stately & Discretionary
Four Seasons DC	Families & Spa	Georgetown	Refined & High-Touch
Pendry Washington DC	Modern Romance	The Wharf	Contemporary European
Riggs Washington DC	Design Lovers	Penn Quarter	Whimsical & Bold
The Jefferson	History Buffs	Downtown	Intimate & Academic
Waldorf Astoria	Grandeur	Pennsylvania Ave	Opulent & Vaulted

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Part 1: The Grande Dames – Historic Icons of the Federal City

There is a specific gravity to the historic hotels of Washington, D.C. These are the "power rooms" where treaties were whispered over scotch and where the city's social fabric was woven.

1. The Willard InterContinental Washington

Affectionately known as the "Residence of Presidents," The Willard is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece just steps from the White House. To walk through its "Peacock Alley" is to walk through history. The 2018 $18 million restoration ensured that while the gold leaf sparkles and the marble glows, the technology is strictly 21st century.

Snapshot Box

• Best For: Political history enthusiasts and traditional luxury seekers.
• Signature Feature: The Round Robin Bar, where the Mint Julep was reportedly introduced to D.C.
• Pro-Tip: Request a room on a higher floor facing Pennsylvania Avenue for a parade-route perspective.

Reserve Your Stay at The Willard →

2. The Hay-Adams

For those who want to feel the pulse of the nation, The Hay-Adams is unparalleled. It sits directly across from Lafayette Square, offering a view of the White House that feels intimate enough to touch. The service here is "old world" in the best possible sense—anticipatory, silent, and flawlessly professional.

• The View: The private balconies are the "crown jewels" of D.C. hospitality. Waking up to the sight of the North Portico is a sensory memory you won't soon forget.
• The Scene: "Off the Record," the hotel’s basement bar, is the city’s premier spot for "clandestine" meetings and world-class caricatures of political figures.

3. The Jefferson

An intimate 99-room retreat, The Jefferson is a love letter to the nation’s third president. It feels less like a hotel and more like the private estate of a well-traveled scholar. With a dedicated local historian on staff, every detail—from the period-correct artwork to the leather-bound books in the Book Room—tells a story.

4. Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Housed in the iconic Old Post Office building, the Waldorf Astoria is a cathedral of luxury. Its nine-story atrium is one of the most breathtaking interior spaces in the city, draped in crystal chandeliers and flooded with natural light.

Snapshot Box

• Best For: Celebration stays and high-drama architecture.
• Signature Feature: Peacock Alley, the grand central lounge for signature cocktails.
• Pro-Tip: Visit the clock tower (accessed through the hotel) for 360-degree views of the city.

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Part 2: Waterfront Luxury – The Modern Revitalization of The Wharf

The Wharf district has fundamentally shifted D.C.'s center of gravity toward the water. Following a $2.5 billion multi-phase urban redevelopment, this area now hosts over 15% of the city’s premium accommodations, trading neoclassical columns for floor-to-ceiling glass and nautical chic.

5. Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf

The Pendry is the cool, younger sibling of the D.C. hotel scene. It brings a touch of European sensibility and Southern California ease to the Potomac. The aesthetic is "layered luxury"—think velvet textures, arched doorways, and a saltwater pool that feels like a private club.

• Dining: Moonraker, the rooftop restaurant, serves Japanese-influenced small plates alongside fire pits and panoramic river views. It is, quite simply, the most romantic spot for a sunset toast in the city.

6. InterContinental Washington DC - The Wharf

This is industrial-chic at its finest. The rooms are expansive, many featuring private balconies that overlook the marinas. It’s the perfect base for those attending a show at The Anthem or looking to explore the vibrant dining scene of the Southwest Waterfront.

Explore Waterfront Stays →

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Part 3: Boutique & Avant-Garde – Where Design Meets Politics

In recent years, D.C. has embraced a more daring design language. These boutique hotels are "jewelry boxes" of art, social commentary, and architectural wit.

7. Riggs Washington DC

Located in the former Riggs National Bank building in Penn Quarter, this hotel is a masterclass in maximalism. The lobby retains its original banking counters, but the rooms are inspired by the private "trophy rooms" of the various First Ladies, each with a distinct floral and jewel-toned palette.

Snapshot Box

• Best For: Design aficionados and cocktail connoisseurs.
• Signature Feature: Silver Lyan, the bar located inside the original subterranean bank vault.
• Pro-Tip: Don't miss the "Riggs" breakfast—it’s one of the most stylish morning meals in the city.

8. Hotel Zena

Part hotel, part art gallery, Hotel Zena is a tribute to female empowerment. The design is provocative and brilliant—most notably the portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg crafted from 20,000 tampons. It’s a space that encourages conversation and reflection, located just off Logan Circle.

9. Viceroy Washington DC

For a more residential, "local" feel, the Viceroy on the 14th Street corridor is the premier choice. The rooms are spacious and feature mid-century modern touches, while the rooftop bar, Dovetail, serves as a social hub for the neighborhood’s creative set.

10. Yours Truly DC

Bohemian and warm, Yours Truly feels like the living room of a very cool, very traveled friend. With in-room record players and a "Call Your Mother" bagel shop in the lobby, it bridges the gap between luxury and genuine community.

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Part 4: The Georgetown Sophisticates

Georgetown remains the city's most prestigious enclave—a neighborhood of cobblestones, hidden gardens, and high-end boutiques.

11. Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

As the only Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond hotel in the city, the Four Seasons is the gold standard for service. It is the premier choice for families, offering a three-story fitness center with a saltwater pool and "kid-sized" amenities that make little ones feel like VIPs.

• The Experience: Located at the entrance to Georgetown, you are steps away from the waterfront and the C&O Canal, making it ideal for morning jogs or family strolls.

12. Rosewood Washington, DC

With only 49 rooms and a collection of private canal-side townhouses, the Rosewood offers a level of privacy that is rare in the capital. The rooftop pool and lounge provide a serene escape from the bustle of M Street.

13. Canal House of Georgetown

A 2025 newcomer, this property blends the charm of a historic rowhouse with minimalist, high-end luxury. It’s designed for the traveler who wants to "live" in Georgetown rather than just visit it.

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Part 5: The Best of the Rest – 2025 Top Picks

14. Conrad Washington, DC

A beacon of modernism at CityCenterDC. The Sakura Club on the 10th floor offers an elevated "hotel within a hotel" experience with curated culinary offerings throughout the day.

15. The Dupont Circle Hotel

The 1950s-inspired "Doyle" bar is the star here, offering one of the best terraces for people-watching in Dupont Circle. The rooms are bright, airy, and distinctly cosmopolitan.

16. Eaton DC

For the "activist-traveler," Eaton DC combines luxury with social purpose. It features a radio station, a cinema, and a wellness center that focuses on holistic healing.

17. The LINE Hotel DC

Housed in a 110-year-old church in Adams Morgan, The LINE is a masterpiece of adaptive reuse. The original pews have been repurposed as seating, and the 60-foot vaulted ceilings are awe-inspiring.

18. The Morrow Hotel (NoMa)

Situated in the heart of the burgeoning NoMa district, The Morrow offers a sleek, modern aesthetic and a fantastic rooftop bar with views of the Capitol dome.

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Planning Your DC Stay: FAQ

What is the best neighborhood for sightseeing? For first-time visitors, Downtown or Penn Quarter is ideal. You’ll be within walking distance of the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums, and the White House. If you prefer a more scenic, residential vibe, Georgetown is incomparable, though it requires a short Uber or bus ride to reach the main museum hub.

Which DC hotels have the best rooftop bars? For iconic views of the White House and the Washington Monument, VUE at Hotel Washington is the classic choice. For a modern, riverfront vibe, Moonraker at the Pendry is spectacular. If you want a local, high-energy scene, head to Vimbai at The Morrow in NoMa.

Are there luxury hotels near the National Mall? Yes. The Waldorf Astoria and The Willard are within a 5-10 minute walk of the National Mall. For a more modern option, The Conrad and Riggs Washington DC are also very close to the northern edge of the Mall’s museum district.

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Conclusion

Washington, D.C., in 2025 is no longer just a destination for field trips and political summits. It is a city that has finally embraced its own beauty, offering a collection of hotels that are as diverse and dynamic as the people who inhabit them. Whether you find yourself tucked into a velvet banquette at the Riggs or watching the rowing teams glide across the Potomac from your balcony at the Pendry, you’ll discover that the "Nation’s Capital" is, above all, a city of unforgettable moments.

Ready to experience the capital in style? Book Your Washington D.C. Escape →